City Of Omaha: 'Shine the Light on Hunger'

Omaha NE

24 January, 2022

1:36 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Omaha: January 21, 2022 The 2021 Holiday Lights Festival "Shine the Light on Hunger" campaign greatly exceeded its goal to support the Food Bank for the Heartland. Mayor Jean Stothert, Conagra Brands, and Baker's announced the holiday campaign raised more than nine million meals, exceeding the goal of two million meals. "We are so aware that for two years now, the pandemic has created great need for families throughout the region served by the Food Bank for the Heartland and that need continues," said Mayor Jean Stothert. "We thank everyone who has donated food and money, or volunteered at the food bank. Your generosity shows us once again that we are a community of caring and compassion." "This year's campaign was once again an overwhelming success," said Rick Hansen, Vice-President of Human Resources for Conagra Brands. "Sine the Lights on Hunger is truly a collective effort, and we are always astounded and impressed by the generosity of the Omaha community. Our local community leaders, businesses, and neighbors are the reason this campaign succeeds every year, and we are so incredibly grateful." Leading community partners include Baker's Supermarkets, The Durham Museum, Holland Performing Arts Center, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Symphony, the Orpheum Theater, and Opera Omaha. "We greatly appreciate our Baker's customers and associates for once again opening their hearts to support Shine the Light on Hunger," said Sheila Regehr, Baker's Corporate Affairs Manager. "Food donations collected at Baker's went even further to help those in need thanks to a matching contribution of $20,000 from our Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment. We are happy to do our part to help our neighbors impacted by food insecurity." "Food Bank is honored to serve this community, and I thank everyone who supported this important campaign," said Brian Barks, President and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. "Fifteen years of serving children, families, seniors and veterans in the Heartland through this campaign is an incredible milestone. Shine the Light on Hunger continues to support our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity, which is critical as we are still impacted by the pandemic." Conagra Brands Foundation matched all campaign funds up to $100,000. Baker's made a matching gift of $20,000 and the Holiday Lights Festival provided a $12,5000 gift. Additional matching gifts were also made by Spreetail and Friends of the Food Bank. This press release was produced by the City of Omaha. The views expressed here are the author's own.